Have Your Say on the Future of Local Representation
What Is the Government Proposing?
Following the General Election in 2024, the Government announced plans to:
- Create elected Mayors to take on powers over transport, health, economic development, and policing
- Replace existing two-tier councils (District and County) with Unitary Councils.
These reforms are intended to simplify governance and shift more decision-making to the regional level.
What’s Happening in Kent?
In Surrey, Sussex and Essex, the plan is for elected Mayors to be introduced first. But in Kent, Local Government Reorganisation is being brought forward ahead of devolution.
- All Kent Borough Councils and Kent County Council must submit reorganisation proposals by November 2025
- Elections to new the new Unitary Councils are expected in 2027
- New Unitary Councils will take over functions from 2028, following a year of preparation
Maidstone Borough Council is currently working with other local councils to draft proposals. However, the final decision lies with the Government, following public consultation.
The process is complex, and the exact timetable remains uncertain — but residents will be kept informed as developments unfold.
Representing Local Communities: Safeguarding Local Voices
One concern with large Unitary Councils is the risk that decision-making becomes more distant from local communities.
To address this, Maidstone Borough Council has launched a Community Governance Review (CGR) — exploring whether new parish or town councils should be created in urban areas of Maidstone that currently lack them.
What Is a Community Governance Review (CGR)?
A CGR looks at:
- How local communities are represented
- Whether new parish or town councils should be created
- Whether existing parish boundaries should be changed
The review is focusing on:
- Unparished areas of Maidstone Town – including the potential for a new Maidstone Town Council or smaller community councils (see map)
- Grove Green and Bearsted Park – exploring whether they should remain in their current parishes (Boxley and Thurnham), join other parishes, or form new ones
Why Does It Matter?
Creating parish or town councils can:
- Strengthen local identity
- Give communities more control
- Unlock funding for local projects
- Improve accountability
These councils are funded by a precept – a small charge added to local council tax bills – to support their work.
More information about Parish and town councils
Have Your Say – Consultation Now Open
The Stage 1 consultation of the CGR runs from Tuesday 22 July to Tuesday 30 September 2025. Residents in the areas under review are invited to give their views via:
There will also be in-person engagement events in the town centre and Grove Green — details will be published in the next few weeks.
What Happens Next?
- Feedback from Stage 1 of the CGR will help shape proposals for Stage 2
- Further consultation will follow in early 2026
- The Final decisions on CGR will be made by Maidstone Borough Council in April 2026
A Word from Cllr Clive English
“Local government is on the brink of a historic new chapter and we, as residents, have a unique opportunity to shape how our communities will look in the future. It’s important for everyone in these areas to share their thoughts and help the Council to create a borough that represents everyone.”
Get Involved
This is your chance to:
- Shape how your neighbourhood is governed
- Ensure local services reflect your community’s needs
- Protect the identity and voice of your local area
👉 Visit Community Governance Review (CGR) - Unparished Areas & Grove Green and Thurnham West | Lets Talk Maidstone to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of your community.
